INDICATION
Virux® tablet and cream are indicated for the treatment of herpes simplex
virus infections of the skin including initial and recurrent genital herpes and
herpes labialis. Virux® tablet is indicated for the suppression of recurrent
herpes simplex infections in both immune-competent and immunecompromised
patients. Virux® tablet is also indicated for the treatment of
varicella zoster virus infections (chicken pox and herpes zoster).
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Tablet
For the treatment of initial and recurrent episodes of herpes simplex
infections in adults, 200 mg Virux® tablet should be taken 5 times daily (at 4 hours intervals omitting the night-time dose). Treatment should continue
CONTRAINDICATION AND PRECAUTION
Virux® tablet and cream is contraindicated in patients known to be
hypersensitive to acyclovir. Virux® cream is not recommended for
application to mucous membrane such as eye, mouth, vagina etc.
SIDE EFFECT
Acyclovir is well tolerated when given orally. Skin rashes which, resolve after
withdrawal of the drug have been reported with acyclovir. GI effects
including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and abdominal pain have
been reported in patients receiving oral acyclovir. The most common
adverse effect is mild pain including transient burning and stinging at the
site of application following acyclovir cream.
DRUG INTERACTION
Concomitant administration of probenecid and acyclovir has reportedly
increased the mean plasma half-life and decreased urinary excretion and
renal clearance of acyclovir.
Amphotericin B has been shown to potentiate the antiviral effect of acyclovir
against pseudorabies virus in vitro when both drugs are added to the culture
medium. Ketoconazole and acyclovir have shown dose-dependent,
synergistic, antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2
(HSV-1 and HSV -2) in in-vitro replication studies.
USE IN PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
Acyclovir has not been shown to be teratogenic in standard tests following
subcutaneous administration in rats and rabbits. The drug does cross the
placenta in humans. There are no adequate and controlled studies to date
using acyclovir in pregnant women, and the drug should be used during
pregnancy only when the potential benefits justify the possible risks to the
fetus; the drug’s potential for causing chromosomal damage at high
concentrations should be considered.
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